Conceding Defeat...

[DDT (12)]

When is it time to throw in the towel? At what point do we just cut our loses and call it quits? There is such a time in many cases, of course, but among the huge quantity of variables towards arriving at that point is the tenacity (a nice way of saying stubbornness) of the individual involved...

I'd wanted to attend a chicken thing in Lorman, MS, several weeks ago, but rain had made that an unrealistic proposition. I then, at the suggestion of Troutdude, made arrangements for such an affair the following Saturday... That fell-through, as well. I disappointedly headed for the barn to prepare for my doctor doings upcoming...

I made a very questionable decision to accompany ALI back to the Nashville area for that event. The overwhelming idea behind that was in knowing that a long-cut would be there for the taking afterward, and that that was far more preferable to simply making the comfortable, but oh so boring, ride up and back in the car...

I've already described the cold experience in getting up yonder... Man, a psych exam would not have been necessary: I could have just been admitted straight away and put in a padded cell from the get-go! All the way up to Tennessee, I kept asking myself, should we just turn around and go back for the car… I nearly caved several times! I didn’t, though, and we did survive, mercifully, in spite of very questionable cockpit judgement...

The folks at the Vanderbilt facility did some questioning, blood drawing, and other sorts of stuff, and they also provided instructions for my upcoming procedure the last day of February. Results of the tests and based upon my answers to their interrogatories brought us to the conclusion I'd most likely live long enough to have the surgery, and that I'd also likely survive that, too. Good news! Everything is still on-track... No giving-up here!

So, I skedaddled southward in great haste following a brief stay at the home of Big Wolf and CB. They'd been kind enough to make my visit up there far more pleasant than what I'd thought it was going to be... Plus, they allowed me to linger a couple of days afterward to let the temps barely rise a degree or two...

A ’landmark’ on the way to BW & CB’s house…


From the moment I'd arrived at their place just before my visit to the doc's office, right up until I'd double checked my Gerbings connections to make certain they were made, and to make triple sure the settings were on full blast, I'd had a great time... and I'd also dined rather well, too...

For starters, CB had prepared a pot of pinto beans and some cornbread for my first meal there! WOW! She is a certifiable country girl for sure, and her mother obviously must have been a wonderful cook, as well! Those were the best beans I've had in decades... My memory is understandably fuzzy nowadays, but I don't recall any better since my mother used to treat us to some thusly back in the day!!! Jerry even grilled us up some fine, thick, well-marbled rib-eyes another night, and life was oh-so good...

Then it was time... I pointed ALI's front wheel due south and twisted her throttle... hard! I hadn't given up on riding some more, but I had correctly concluded that any riding we might want to do would be far superior if conducted much further south! Shorter days with more frequent breaks also helped... a bunch!

The weather had improved just barely enough to allow for backroad riding once out of Cookeville, TN. Actually, it was really nice to just scoot along through tiny towns, among rolling hills and small mountains, in a mostly traffic-free, easy way that pleases me in ways hard to describe... but easy to recognize when pursued. We were back in our element and clearly in our groove... It truly is great to be alive and doing what we do!!!

We rode back down into Alabama, and the temps continued to moderate… as in ease up just a mite, but still requiring Gerbings each day, all day, and full-on all the time! I didn’t have any idea where we might be going, so we just puttered around and veered first one way then another… We ended up in Tuscaloosa (North Port, actually), and I was fighting the inclination to just return home… I couldn’t shake out of my noggin, though, that image of my doggone recliner beckoning me to come hither, sit a spell, and take a nap… Nah, I’d much rather wander, so we’re still at it… Three weeks and counting as I write this…

I did some checking to see if a Lorman option might be available, but… nope… more rain followed by some serious cold! Dang! Should I just go ahead and give up on that idea? Then, my phone rang… it was Troutdude… He mentioned that he was going to his sister’s for a couple of days, and he wanted to know if I might like to tag along… Sure, why not? I wasn’t doing anything anyway… and I surely didn’t have any prospects in mind, so… I went to Atmore, AL, and re-joined the ‘family’. I’d been there before…

On the way to Vicky & Mark’s house in the ‘Dixie Catfish Shack’ restaurant, this was hanging on the wall…


Vicky and Mark had let me hang out there a couple of days last year following my first boo-boo, to allow my bruised ribs to heal a bit. I’d also gone to a doctor while on that visit to rule out anything more serious having happened to my poor ol’ bod… it hadn’t. More hanging out, fine dining, good company, and another worthwhile pause in my ongoing adventure…

I rode off again, in no particular direction, just wherever we landed… and the first night it was back in Enterprise… I’d ridden into town, recognized one of my favorite BBQ restaurants, and… I did what I so often do… I first visited that place about fifteen years ago, and it is still every bit as good as it always is… The sun was getting low, so I just got a room and settled in for the evening…

I wasn’t ready to give up on this outing, but I simply had no direction or inspiration. With the limited time available combined with the Polar Vortex thing going on, my options are very restricted, and… I have toured the southeast a bunch over the last forty years or so! What to do, where to go…? My phone rang again…

My land-lady was checking in to see what I was up to… Nothing much, I told her, and I was toying with the idea of just giving up and going home. “I thought you wanted to ride while you still can, before you can’t?”, she inquired… She is so wise… I told her so, and told her I’d be doing some more for a while… I then had a glimmer of inspiration… Lorman now?

I checked the weather, MapQuest, etc., all the usual things I do when I get an idea… and… it might could be done. Rain was headed our way in a couple of days, but the temps would continue to moderate, so… Roll the dice? Why not… Why not at least head that way and see how things go…? 

Ordinarily, when visiting the General Store, we stay in either Natchez or Vicksburg, then ride up or down to dine, then return again (there are no motels near Lorman) for a second night before leaving for whatever we figure to do next. Well, in studying the maps and routes, it looked like I could just make it as far as Meridian the following day, then go directly to Lorman from there… and beat the showers now appearing in the forecast, ahead of earlier forecasts! We did, and we did… barely…

The ‘General Store’ in Lorman, MS… Notice the puddles in the picture!

screengrab

We’d had a nice ride down to Lorman… The temp had continued to improve to the point I eventually had to turn down the setting (but not turn off!) for my jacket liner! First time that had happened on this entire outing! A nice milestone, to be sure, and I hoped it might be a good omen, too… Sort of… There were a light shower or two around, and we did encounter wet pavement and puddles here and there, but no rain, save for a very few hints of a spritz of mist on a couple of occasions…

I got to the buffet line just as a fresh batch of fried chicken arrived from the kitchen! I proceeded to load my plate with some turnip greens, green beans, salad with lots of dressing, fruit medley, corn on the cobb, a cornbread muffin, and of course a large chicken breast! Naturally, I also included a large glass of sweet tea… the table wine of the southland!

anthropology professor salary

The owner and our host, Arthur, sang to us all, as he usually does…
programs to take screenshots

In practically no time, I’d had my fill and it was time to venture on… I sure wish Arthur had a parlor in that place with recliners for some nap-taking after stuffing ourselves… sigh…


I’m glad I'd never completely given up on making the ride over there… There will, most certainly, come a day when I’ll have to do that… just not this day!

DDT

[DirtyDan]

Certainly one day buddy. Looking forward to New Mexico. Keep going

Dan

[The emperor has no clothes]

Great story  (your title had me worried though) take care my friend 

[DDT (12)]

Certainly one day buddy. Looking forward to New Mexico. Keep going

Dan

Dan,

Yeah, I do hear that old clock a-ticking... and, it's getting louder with each passing year! I'm looking forward to Taos, too, and I'm hoping to make that ride for sure. Big Wolf and I are contemplating a 'long-cut' out there and back, so... a multi-week trek for us. All predicated, of course, on my being up for such a ride by then! We'll see...

DDT

Great story  (your title had me worried though) take care my friend 

Rob,

Didn't mean to send any false signals... All systems are go at present, and I'm already looking past all of that medical inconvenience stuff and towards what might lie ahead... I am taking care... I suppose.

One could logically argue that I'm really rolling the dice, scooting all about in weather like we're having, though! A serious cold or the flu could throw a monkey wrench in the surgery scheduling. I do take normal precautions, but I have my fingers crossed that will be enough...

It would be hard to spend another month in that recliner, and who knows what that might do to me! I am anxious to get on with getting on, ya know... However, I don't want to stop living in order to try and prolong life...

DDT

[scoobydoo]

Bruce, if your in the area the first of May theres a ride being planed At the Red River Gorge near Lexington Ky. Right now we have 20 going. 
Keep on keeping on.

[old2soon]

             Bruce-as yer probably by now aware of I will Not make Taos.  Age a lessoning of physical attributes and I cain't hardly git around without an O2 bottle at hand. Trust me-I am No how No way complainin here just layin out the facts as I perceive them to be. Well Before I desire it to transpire my magic carpet ride-Phatt Ghurl-will be taken away from me!  Some times reality sux-O K-All the time reality sux!  But on da udder hand I can and Will as long as I'm able to ride here locally when Ma Nature do Not git to rambunctious.  Dan said it and I'll repeat-do while and when ya can-My personal one of these days do draw closer-whether I desire it or not!  RIDE SAFE.

[DDT (12)]

Bruce, if your in the area the first of May theres a ride being planed At the Red River Gorge near Lexington Ky. Right now we have 20 going. 
Keep on keeping on.

Phil,

Hey, that sounds like a grand outing for sure... No idea how or what I'll feel like by then, but hopefully I'll already have some riding behind when that date rolls around; as, I'd like to make the scout ride to West Virginia the end of March. I'll definitely keep that in mind... I just added to my calendar as 'possible and highly desirable!' I appreciate you thinking of me...!

DDT

             Bruce-as yer probably by now aware of I will Not make Taos.  Age a lessoning of physical attributes and I cain't hardly git around without an O2 bottle at hand. Trust me-I am No how No way complainin here just layin out the facts as I perceive them to be. Well Before I desire it to transpire my magic carpet ride-Phatt Ghurl-will be taken away from me!  Some times reality sux-O K-All the time reality sux!  But on da udder hand I can and Will as long as I'm able to ride here locally when Ma Nature do Not git to rambunctious.  Dan said it and I'll repeat-do while and when ya can-My personal one of these days do draw closer-whether I desire it or not!  RIDE SAFE.

Dennis,

I hear ya, man... Sorry about all that. I was afraid that would be your response, but I was hoping for something a little different... All of us come with an expiration date, and we all eventually get there. My time is surely coming, but I'm going to follow your and Dan's, and many others' too, advice and go while the getting is good... and still doable!

I'll be hitting the ol' trail again in a little while... got some more miles and smiles to make today!!! See ya when I see ya... Who knows, I might just swing through your area one of these days this Spring... I do like riding up that way, and it would be great to have you show me some good ol' country cookin' places and maybe a BBQ location, too.

DDT

[Farside]

  Great story and sweet ride Bruce. You weren't far from us here in the pan-handle. I was actually working in Huntsville, Decatur, Gadsden and Bham last week. When heading home I came down  65 then 31 once I got to Montgomery. I just wanted to get off the slab and enjoy some fun roads. It would have been too funny if I would have seen you on my trip north or coming back south. 
    Gezzz, that fried chicken plate was making my mouth water.  I hope you can plan that trip to Lorman  again soon after your break.  Yes, I called it your "break". I feel you'll be up and going in no time!  Look forward to seeing more of your post. Be safe, stay dry and warm. 

[DDT (12)]

Great story and sweet ride Bruce. You weren't far from us here in the pan-handle. I was actually working in Huntsville, Decatur, Gadsden and Bham last week. When heading home I came down  65 then 31 once I got to Montgomery. I just wanted to get off the slab and enjoy some fun roads. It would have been too funny if I would have seen you on my trip north or coming back south.  
   Gezzz, that fried chicken plate was making my mouth water.   I hope you can plan that trip to Lorman  again soon after your break.   Yes, I called it your "break". I feel you'll be up and going in no time!   Look forward to seeing more of your post. Be safe, stay dry and warm.  

Keith,

Yeah, that would have been funny! I've actually had that happen to me before with others... I agree on the ride down US 31 south of Montgomery... A serene, peaceful, surprisingly nice ride with not much traffic for the most part... I've made that run many, many times over the years, so I do know why you chose that route!!!

I appreciate the encouraging words. I'm quite optimistic at present, and I do very much want to return to riding ASAP following my 'break'... interesting choice of words! Hope you're right!!! As for Lorman, I'll do it again one of these days, and there are others who go there from time to time... Keep an eye on the board, and I'm sure you'll find some company for 'dining with Arthur'! Thanks again!

DDT

[Bigwolf]

Hey Bruce,
Nice to know that you finally made it to Lorman for fried chicken..........even if you didn’t manage to get anyone to join you at the table.  Sometimes you just have to tough it out and go it alone. 

The weather has warmed up here too.  I wanted to get my bike out for a while but have several chores that I want to get done soon.  I believe it is best to do all I can to make CB happy before I ride off into the sunset for weeks on end without her.  “Happy wife happy life” and all that.  She is a good one to have around.

[Rams]

No such thing as conceding defeat, just move to plan B, or C.    Fer gents like us.

Where there's the will, there's a way.  

I assure you, I fully understand (I think) the two steps forward and one step back concept!  Somewhat.  

Rams  

[DDT (12)]

Hey Bruce,
Nice to know that you finally made it to Lorman for fried chicken..........even if you didn’t manage to get anyone to join you at the table.  Sometimes you just have to tough it out and go it alone. 

The weather has warmed up here too.  I wanted to get my bike out for a while but have several chores that I want to get done soon.  I believe it is best to do all I can to make CB happy before I ride off into the sunset for weeks on end without her.  “Happy wife happy life” and all that.  She is a good one to have around.

Jerry,

I understand! Heck, I won't even try to talk you into anything, either... Nope, I want to stay on her good side, too... Who knows, there could just be another pot of pinto beans and some more cornbread if she stays happy with us!!! Looking forward to my next visit... not the reason for the visit, naturally, but... you know what I mean.

Soon enough we'll have our knees in the breeze, and we'll be gliding along on our long-cut ride to IZ!!! And, just think about it... the return will be an even longer and more amazing ride!!! Sure hope we can maintain our good behavior long enough to pull this off...

DDT

No such thing as conceding defeat, just move to plan B, or C.    Fer gents like us.

Where there's the will, there's a way. 

I assure you, I fully understand (I think) the two steps forward and one step back concept!  Somewhat.   

Rams 

Ron,

I tip my hat to your mental toughness, my friend... You're a pretty tough dude physically, too, but it is the strength between you ears that really impresses me. My issues are minor compared to the challenges you've been facing and still have to deal with... I suppose you know you set a good example for others... even though you do set the bar kinda high! Looking very much forward to hanging, riding, and jawing with you again! What say we both put all of this behind us pronto, and get back to doing what we love?

DDT

[Pappy!]

Scared me a bit as well but as always am so glad you are riding and writing. Keep it up and keep us up to date for as long as you possibly can......and then some.

[DDT (12)]

Scared me a bit as well but as always am so glad you are riding and writing. Keep it up and keep us up to date for as long as you possibly can......and then some.

Pappy,

Thanks for the concern and good thoughts! I do enjoy riding and writing, and I do plan to continue... Of course, I seriously doubt I'll be able to post once in the 'after life', but if possible, I will!!! I'm nowhere near a point where worry or anxiety have taken over... indeed, I'm actually feeling pretty optimistic going into this.

Sure, we've all seen vivid and very sad examples of how this might go another way, but the vibes I'm getting so far are all quite positive! If things do go south, however, I'll deal with that then... In the meantime, I'm thinking about upcoming rides and big adventures ahead, and relishing the prospects of returning to the life I've been blessed to lead... If the end is nearer than I thought, then I have no complaints... it's been one hellava run!!!

Please give a great big howdy to Lesa for me, and I'll be looking forward to seeing and riding with y'all again... soon, I hope!

DDT

[trout dude]

Dam Bruce you made it there in stealth mode OH WELL we will join you next time safe riding my friend

PS: I don't know where you are at but i'm heading back to Atmore Today if you are still around  There is plenty of room still

[Rams]

Looking very much forward to hanging, riding, and jawing with you again! What say we both put all of this behind us pronto, and get back to doing what we love?

DDT

Bruce,
I consider it an honor to ride with you, exchanging ideas and philosophies is always a learning experience for me.   My (new to me) fat lady sits in my shop waiting patiently for me to mount up and ride.   I remain hopeful that after this next carving by the bone doc I'll be back in the saddle (after more rehab).    Getting tired of not being able to twist her throttle.   

Planning on attending the UP ride Gig is putting on this August, even if I have to trailer my girl up there. If'n you're in KY, you're expected to stop and eat (at a minimum).    There's always room and bed waiting on you with a warm spot in the shop for ALI.

Rams

[DDT (12)]

Dennis,

Yeah, that was sort of a spontaneous thing... I saw a weather opening, so I just slide right through it! Part of my 'experiment', see... I'm still researching things, so I can't divulge any aspects just yet, but the time for that is drawing nearer... So far, things are still inconclusive, as results so often are, and I may not be able to solve this riddle, but... I ain't 'conceding defeat' on that yet!

A return to Atmore sounds mighty tempting, as it always does, but... Man, I do love to hang with Vicky and Mark! Such wonderful, generous, kind, and thoughtful folks... plus, Vicky is one amazing cook, too! That gal has some serious skillet skills, but the best part is just being around those folks. The whole idea of them accepting me 'into the family' like they have is... well, it sure does a reclusive ol' solo biker dude good to be around quality folks now and then!

Still, what had been missing on most of this trip has finally been found! A sense of purpose, excitement to roam, a general idea of what and where we'll be doing what we do. I'm feeling my oats again, and I am stimulated to just continue on as we are for now... Time is short, and we have many miles to travel!

As for those pics... You know very well, because you were standing next to me on several occasions, when both of them told me to 'make myself at home'! That's exactly what I did!!! Sure hope my snoring didn't bother anybody... And, mighty glad I was able to help break-in the new furniture...

DDT



Ron,

I feel the same way about our exchanges of ideas, views, and observations on life... looking forward to picking up where we left off! I'm also looking forward to meeting your new girl... and to seeing what you're doing to make her your own. It will be great to share some wind with you again, and that Yooper Ride will be a good opportunity to do just that. More...

Gig is one of those people who always inject merriment into any setting, and he brings out the kid in all of us when we don't expect it! It will be interesting to visit that area again, but the real draw, obviously, is an opportunity to kick some tires and to burn a few pairs of underwear with some the most amazing characters I've ever encountered… you definitely included! Take care, ol' buddy...

DDT

[Jess from VA]

Snoozing right under the dream catcher.


Like Sheldon Cooper.....  dude you're in my spot!

[Rams]

Bruce, if your in the area the first of May theres a ride being planed At the Red River Gorge near Lexington Ky. Right now we have 20 going. 
Keep on keeping on.

Huh??   
Really???


Rams

[DDT (12)]

Jess,

I didn't notice the proximity of the dream catcher during my snooze! If it did catch any, well... there go any prospects I might have had about running for office one day! As for the seat being taken... his house, his rules! Actually he was evicted himself very shortly after that, because his wife claimed that as her new throne!!! You might say: HER house, HER rules!!! I'm sure, with you being a matrimonial veteran yourself, you completely understand...

DDT



Ron,

First I'd heard of it, too... I just figured you were involved some way; although, with the timing and your 'condition', it may have been assumed you were unavailable... I dunno... Still, if I am able, I will try to make that one.

DDT

[Jess from VA]

Yeah Bruce, I never thought of it this way, but I am a two-tour matrimonial veteran.

You don't get any awards or decorations, just settlement agreements.     

No third tours for me; I can still run pretty fast if I have to. 

[DDT (12)]

"No third tours for me; I can still run pretty fast if I have to. "


Jess,

I'm not nearly as fast as I once was, but with age has come a modicum of wisdom... I'm far more 'agile' now than ever, so no repeat tours for this veteran either... As for those settlement papers, I suppose we could view them as 'participation trophies'... Will we see ya in Taos?

DDT

[Jess from VA]

Will we see ya in Taos?

I don't think so.  It's just too far for me.  (Though if I loaded the bike in the van I could probably hack it).  I'd love to ride IN the West, but 1900 miles both ways TO & FROM the West does not sound fun to me on 2 wheels (yeah, I'm a getting old in my old age). 

I've been doing pretty well attending the every-other-year Eastern ones.

I've told my couple close friends if I ever begin to backslide on my sworn bachelorhood, they should just sneak up on me and shoot me in the head (it would be a mercy). 

I don't hate women at all (they're just as mysterious and alluring and attractive as ever), I just don't want one to live with me (men either, I like my solitude).  Put another way, I insist on 100% control of my life, not 50% (and 50% is no guarantee in marriage, or living in sin without the sanctioned contract). 

And I've gone through all the training I ever intend to put up with. 

[DDT (12)]

I don't think so.  It's just too far for me.  (Though if I loaded the bike in the van I could probably hack it).  I'd love to ride IN the West, but 1900 miles both ways TO & FROM the West does not sound fun to me on 2 wheels (yeah, I'm a getting old in my old age).  



Jess,

Unless one has plenty of time and wherewithal to take a serious long-cut out and back, a round trip marathon ride directly from your place to Taos and back would not hold a great deal of appeal for many folks. I'd do it, of course, but that's just me. Since I can, however, I do take 'long-cuts' just about anytime I'm out and about.

Big Wolf and I will be doing precisely that this year... perhaps a couple of weeks going out there, even more time coming back! So much to see and do, so little time in a normal lifespan! Hope you'll give it some more thought... If the answer remains the same, I do understand... In which case, I'll see ya next year!

DDT

[The emperor has no clothes]

Will we see ya in Taos?

I don't think so.  It's just too far for me.  (Though if I loaded the bike in the van I could probably hack it).  I'd love to ride IN the West, but 1900 miles both ways TO & FROM the West does not sound fun to me on 2 wheels (yeah, I'm a getting old in my old age). 

I've been doing pretty well attending the every-other-year Eastern ones.

I've told my couple close friends if I ever begin to backslide on my sworn bachelorhood, they should just sneak up on me and shoot me in the head (it would be a mercy). 

I don't hate women at all (they're just as mysterious and alluring and attractive as ever), I just don't want one to live with me (men either, I like my solitude).  Put another way, I insist on 100% control of my life, not 50% (and 50% is no guarantee in marriage, or living in sin without the sanctioned contract). 

And I've gone through all the training I ever intend to put up with. 

You are retired. You are no longer constrained by marriage. You can't take it with you. Get out and enjoy life. Just my opinion. I'm doing everything I can to make it. We are taking my grandson to Europe in 4 weeks, then we have 3 weeks in Alaska in July. It might get me fired, but I'm going to try to hang out with some of my friends in Taos. Some dear friends of ours retired last year. They had big plans to travel around and visit friends and family. After 9 months on the road he got diagnosed with cancer and died 6 weeks later. Life is fleeting, get out and enjoy it.

[DDT (12)]

Rob,

Over the years, I watched as many of my colleagues delayed their retirements for one reason or another, and I also watched as some died shortly after finally walking out! Decent health is a delicate and finite commodity, and it can never be taken for granted! Like you, I want my old age, if indeed I do get there, to be filled with happy memories of all the things I've done, not regrets for all the things I didn't bother to attempt... Excuses are easy and cheap... fond memories are often challenging but priceless!!!

DDT

[The emperor has no clothes]

Rob,

Over the years, I watched as many of my colleagues delayed their retirements for one reason or another, and I also watched as some died shortly after finally walking out! Decent health is a delicate and finite commodity, and it can never be taken for granted! Like you, I want my old age, if indeed I do get there, to be filled with happy memories of all the things I've done, not regrets for all the things I didn't bother to attempt... Excuses are easy and cheap... fond memories are often challenging but priceless!!!

DDT

I'm really looking forward to Brenda and I making some great memories with my grandson in Europe. He is a great kid that often has to play second fiddle to our granddaughter due to her juvenile diabetes. Going to be just us 3 and expecting it to be EPIC !

[DDT (12)]

Rob,

Kuddos to you and Brenda for doing that! The two of you will no doubt have a ball, but the life-long memories you're providing for you grandson... unbelievable!!! Y'all's legacy will be cemented, and your names will be spoken with great reverence for decades to come... I'm proud of y'all, my friend!

DDT